Fishing
There are many places for anglers to try their luck, and Ludington has such a great variety of fish. The area also has great charter captains.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament
July 11th-17th, 2022
Lake Michigan fishing yields some great salmon, and now’s your chance to grab some big money along with those fish! The Ludington Offshore Classic sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July. This tournament is open to any boat 18′ or longer equipped with a marine radio. Registrations must be completed online. Shotgun starts are at 6am and by 2pm, all boats must be inside the pier heads (except for Youth Tournament, where boats must be in by noon). Weigh-ins occur in a drive-through fashion in the parking lot at 3pm at Waterfront Park. There will be no food, drink, or merchandise available on site.
Over 100 boats entered last year’s tournament. The 2021 winner in the pro division was the crew of Blue Fairways and they claimed the $10,000 top prize. The winner of the Big Boys competition was the team from Elsie K. They took home $23,800 for first place.
2022 Ludington Offshore Fishing Classic Schedule of Events:
Monday, July 11th
6pm – Big Boys captains meeting
Tuesday, July 12th
AUTO OWNERS INSURANCE LUDINGTON OFFSHORE CLASSIC BIG BOYS
6am – Shotgun start
2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington Pierheads
11am-3pm – Weigh-in, Waterfront Park parking lot
Wednesday, July 13th
AUTO OWNERS INSURANCE LUDINGTON OFFSHORE CLASSIC BIG BOYS
6am – Shotgun Start
2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington Pierheads
11am-3pm – Weigh-in, Waterfront Park parking lot
Awards immediately following Weigh-in
Thursday, July 14th
GREAT LAKES GEAR MINIMAL RULES SHOOT-OUT
6am – Shotgun Start
2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington Pierheads
11am-3pm – Weigh-in, Waterfront Park parking lot
Awards immediately following Weigh-in
6pm – Youth Classic and Michelob Ultra Ladies Pro/Am captains meeting
Friday, July 15th
YOUTH CLASSIC
6am – Shotgun start
1pm – Youth boats must be inside the Ludington Pierheads
1-3pm – Weigh-in at Pavilion
4pm – Awards
MICHELOB ULTRA LADIES PRO/AM
6am – Shotgun Start, 6am
2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington Pierheads
2pm – Weigh-in, Waterfront Park parking lot
4pm – Ladies awards
6pm – Ludington Offshore Classic Pro/Am captains’ meeting
Saturday, July 16th
DREAMWEAVER LURES & GRAND HAVEN CUSTOM MOLDING LUDINGTON OFFSHORE CLASSIC PRO/AM
6am – Shotgun Start
11am-3pm – Weigh-in, Waterfront Park parking lot
1pm – Amateur boats must be inside the Ludington Pierheads
2pm – All boats must be inside the Ludington Pierheads
Sunday, July 17th
LUDINGTON OFFSHORE CLASSIC PRO/AM
6am – Shotgun Start
11am-3pm – Weigh-in, Waterfront Park parking lot
2pm – All boats must be inside the Ludington Pierheads
4pm – Awards
Some have called the Ludington tournament one of most organized and best run tournaments in four states, and it is the largest freshwater salmon tournament in the United States.
Payouts are based upon number of entries. Anticipated winnings for the top three places are:
Tuesday & Wednesday
Ludington Offshore Classic Big Boys
Thursday
Ruboy Thursday Shoot-Out
- $3,000 1st Place
- $1,500 2nd Place
- $700 3rd Place
- $500 Big Fish Prize
Friday
Dreamweaver Lures Youth Classic (17 years and younger)
- $3,000 1st Place
- $2,000 2nd Place
- $1,000 3rd Place
Bud Light Ladies Pro/Am
- $1,000 1st place each division
- $500 1st place each division, Big Fish
Saturday & Sunday
Off-Shore Classic Pro/Am
- $10,000 1st Place Pro (based on 30 boats). 100% payout guaranteed.
Captain Chuck’s Big Fish Tournament
- $2,000 1st Place
- $1,500 2nd Place
- $1,000 3rd Place
For more information on the Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament, please contact the event organizer:
Ludington/Scottville Chamber of Commerce
5300 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 845-0324
Current Events
Monthly Calendar of Events
More Fishing in Ludington...
Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July in Ludington.
Fishing Tournaments & Events
Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Fish on for Freedom
“Fish on For Freedom” is a non-profit event that provides a free day of fishing to military veterans on Lake Michigan.
Charter Boat Fishing
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
Boating & Fishing
The Ludington area is a paradise for those who love boating and fishing. Numerous marinas rent a variety of boats and offer modern facilities.
Ludington Fishing Reports
Here you will find past fishing reports for the Ludington area, including Lake Michigan, PM Lake, PM River, and Hamlin Lake.